Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC)

Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities (SFSC) courses have been running from Post Office House, Sure Start Children’s Centre in Hyde. The SFSC course supports parents in their parenting role, not only by providing strategies for dealing with difficult behaviour from their children, but also by allowing them to explore their ethnic and cultural roots, and deciding what is important for them to share/teach their children as they grow.

This is not the first SFSC course in Tameside targeted toward young parents, so facilitators Sue Bromley and Lynnsey Griffin were able to tap into support and advice from others. The key message was to make it as fun and interesting as possible!

Here are just a few comments to give you a flavour of what the parents have learnt/gained from the course so far.........

“I found the course really helpful; I learnt a lot of things. I would recommend the course to any young parent or parent to be. I have really enjoyed all the course, thanks” (Kelsey Kirby and Harley)

“The course has helped both me and my partner cope with and to deal with negative behaviour. The course has changed my perspective on parenting and my approach to disciplining my children. I would recommend this course to anybody having problems with behaviour or discipline” (Rob Brierley)

“The course is brill, it’s so helpful to find young mums like myself, and it helps to find out what’s on around and about. It’s very supportive to myself and others, and helps with difficult behaviour and ages. I would recommend everyone to come on the course 10/10 to all of it” (Robyn Daniels)

“I have learnt a lot from this course, it has learnt me how to deal with Logan’s behaviour. I have more patience with him and our bond is a lot stronger now. I would certainly suggest this course to other young parents” (Emily)

“I have learnt about behaviour, special time, routine” (Laura O’Toole)

“Although my little boy is only 11 months and doesn’t really understand, I still use the ‘First/Then’ method, for example: “first you must get dressed, then you can play”. If I use this consistently then Jack will understand as he gets older. I have really enjoyed this course and found it very useful; I would definitely recommend this course to everyone” (Amy Jones)

“When we first started the course we was told to try a ‘First/Then’ method for example, eat all your tea, then we will have dessert. It was really helpful and works wonders” (Keely Baxendale)

“I’ve learnt special time, I think it’s good for all parents. When Joshua’s naughty I deal with it now rather than leaving it” (Jade Richardson)

“The course has helped me so much, I feel I have gained a lot of knowledge and skills to help me understand Atlanta’s behaviour, why she does the things she does and what I can change to help her learn more. I enjoy our weekly meetings because it gives me a chance to get out of the house and meet new people, and Atlanta gets to play with other children in the crèche. (Katie Seagrave)

There are a number of parenting courses available to parents and carers living in Tameside, please contact Families Information Service (FIS) for more detail on the next parenting course running near you – 0161 342 5434